Foldable closure



Nov. 12, 1940.

E. C. MCGUIRE ET AL FOLDABLE CLOSURE 'Filed OCT.. 15, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 --T-Illi Patented Nov. 12, 1940 PATENT OFFICE 2,220,939 FoLnABLE oLosURE Eugene C. McGuire, Henry D. Oberdorfer, and Roy H Van Buskirk, New Castle, Ind., assignors to Newcastle Products Inc., New Castle, Ind., a

corporation Appiieatiun october 15.21937, serial Nu. 169,268

7 Claims.

This invention relates to a iiexible door for a partition. I

Structures of this character include a metallic frame work of articulated character for extension to partially or completely close an opening, the articulated frame work being covered by a iiexible covering, the latter being supported by the frame work and movable therewith. The frame work and covering may also be collapsed into a relatively small volume adjacent the side of the opening.

Herein the invention is shown applied to a single flexible closure which, when extended, is adapted to completely close an opening, although it is understood that if the opening be suiiiciently wide, two closures may be extended from ODDS).- site sides of the opening into complete closure closing relation.

The chief object of this invention is to simplify a closure structure of the general character mentioned, as well as its supporting arrangement and its locking arrangement when extended.

Another object of the invention is to provide an articulated frame work which is capable of substantially complete collapse into minimum volume.

' Another object of the invention is to simplify the anchoring arrangement for mounting of the flexible covering upon the articulated frame work.

The chief feature of the invention consists in the formation of the respective posts of the closure support, the construction of the articulated frame work, the means for securing and/or supporting the iiexible covering upon the latter and the means for facilitating the extension and -collapse of the collapsible closure, whereby all of` the foregoing objects are accomplished.

Other features of the invention will be set forth more fully in detail hereinafter.

The full nature of the invention will be understood from the accompanying drawings and the following description and claims:

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a transverse sectional view of one form of the exible closure in .the extended and closure closing position, intermediate portions being broken away and portions of the iiexible covering being omitted for clearness.

Fig, 2 is a somewhat similar view of the same parts shown in Fig. l, certain parts, however, be'- ing omitted, the illustrated parts being shown in the collapsed position.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but is an elevational view of the respective parts, the covering being omitted.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional View taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3 and in the direction of the arrows and of the hinge and tong connections.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 3 and in the direction of the arrows and of the tong connection.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational `view of the tong structure, illustrating more especially a flexible covering anchorage.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a modified tong structure showing the same in completely collapsed relation.

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view through the outer portion of the flexible closure and an overhead support therefor, as well as a modified connection therebetween.

Fig. 9 is a view, similar to Fig. 8, of amodied form of overhead support structure for a exible structure and the lower portion illustrates a floor guiding arrangement therefor.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged elevational view of the tong support anchorage, the fiexible covering and connection therebetween.

Fig. 11 is a transverse section thereof.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 but of a slightly modified form of the invention, wherein greater accessibility for curtain attaching or detaching is incorporated. y

In Fig. 1 of the drawings, I0 indicates one side wall of an opening and II an opposite Wall. Therebetween and closing the opening, is a flexible closure or folding door construction. If the distance between walls I0 and I I be sufficient, two curtains may be utilized, each of which would be anchored to a Wall and be extensible toward the other wallinto meeting engagement with each other, or retracted toward the supporting wall, as shown in Fig. 2, when collapsed. Herein, however, the width of the opening is represented as that which can be conventionally accommodated by a single curtain or folding door which is operatively secured to one wall and is extensible into closing position across the full width of the opening for detachable association with a fixture carried by the opposite wall I I.

Extending from top to bottom of the opening and suitably secured by a plurality of spaced screws I2, is an anchor strip, or a plurality of spaced clips, I3 which is yieldngly associated with a channel type strip I4, in turn suitably secured to an end member I5. The foregoing constitutes a latch and catch connection longitudin-ally coextensive with the side of 'the opening. The end member I5 includes near the top and bottom spaced tubular portions I6 in alignment CII with each other and adapted to receive comple- .mentary tubular portions I1 on the semi-hinges I8, to which reference will be had hereinafter.

Positioned abovethe semi-hinge are the semitong members I9, each of which terminates in an enlarged and apertured end 20. A sleeve or spacer 2| is in alignment therewith and the aforesaid is in alignment with the tubular portions I6 and I1. A rod or hinge pin 22 mounts a nut 23, or the like, upon its upper end, as shown. The lower portion of the end member I5 is similarly provided with tubular portions I6 and the lower semi-hinge I8 includes complementary tubular portions I1. The semi-tongs I9 are positioned beneath the semi-hinge in inverted position relative to the upper semi-tongs. The hinge pin 22 mounts .the nut 23 at the lower end and also supports the spacing sleeve 2| and has a projecting portion at its upper end, as indicated by the numeral 24.

Member I5 includes a reenforcing and stiiening rib 25, the upper edge of which terminates immediately am acent the lower edge of the upper semi-hinge I8 and the lower end of said rib terminates immediately adjacent the upper vedge of the lower semi-hinge I 8. Member I5, etc., constitutes the anchor post.

A flexible covering 26, one for each sideof the foldable curtain or door, has its ends 26a interposed between end member I5 and the anchoring member I4, and the same are all secured together in any suitable manner.

The opposite end of the foldable curtain or door is provided with semi-hinges I8 .and having the tubular portions I1. Associated therewith are the butt portions 21 having the complementary tubular portions 28 and above the upper semi-hinges are positioned the semi-tongs I 9, spaced therefrom by the sleeve 2I, the same being associated together by the rod 22 mounting the nut 23 at its upper end. Similarly, tlie lower butt and lower semi-hinge are hingedly connected together byr a rod 22 having the projecting portion 24 at its upper end. Positioned beneath the lower hinge are the lower semitongs I9 reversed with respect to the upper semitongs and reversed relative to the semi-tongs I9 at the opposite end of the closure. These tongs are spaced from the lower semi-hinge I8 by the sleeve 2| and all of the aforesaid is secured together by the nut 23.

The movable post of the foldable curtain includes an end member 29 which may be 4made of two pieces or a single slotted piece. or the like, in order to receive the butts 21. The same is encased by the substantially tubular member 30 and the entire arrangement-that is, butts, member 29 and member 30- is secured together by the rivets 3|. The covering 26 on each side of the curtain, extends over opposite sides and the free ends overlap as at 32.

An end member 33 'extends substantially the full length of the curtain and is secured to the tubular member 30 and/or the member 29 therein as by spaced screws 34, or the like. Member 33 is channeled shaped and yieldingly retains a cushion or bumper member 35 adapted to bear against a parallel bumper plate 36 suitably secured by spaced screws 31, or the like, to the wall II.

The movable post structure herein described may include a lock or latch and the bumper plate 36 may be provided with a socket or catch for receiving the lock or latch. This permits the curtain to be locked in the closed position if, as

'and when desired, but since the aforesaid is to the main portion of the end member or post structure, simultaneously anchors the opposite ends of the covering 26, before mentioned.

As shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, but omitted from Fig. 3, because the igure is broken away at the midportion, there are illustrated handle structures 38 suitably secured to opposite sides of the movable post, so that the foldable curtain may be readily moved into extended or collapsed position.

Reference will now be had more especially to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, respectively, wherein one form of curtain structure proper is specifically illustrated.

The articulated mechanism includes an upper series of hinge plates 39 hingedly connected together, as hereinafter set forth, as well as a lower series of hinge plates 40 ,similarly connected together. Above the` upper series of hinge plates and below the lower series of hinge plates, is a lazytong, indicated generally by the numerals 4I and 42 respectively. These tongs are of full length and are of the same length as the length of the hinge plates 39 and 40. The tongs cross each other at the midportion of the hinge plates' and at the crossing point are enlarged laterally as at 43. These collar enlargements 43 on each of the tong members eliminate the requirement of a washer therebetween.

The tong members are pivotally connected together at their central portions by a screw bolt 44 having an enlarged cylindrical portion 45 receivable by the bore 46 in the enlarged and central portion 43 of the innermost tong, reference being had to the top or bottom tong constructions. The same enlargement forms shoulder 41 which bears against the'collar 43 of the outermost tong 42. The latter is apertured as at 48 and the reduced portion 49 of the bolt projects therethrough and is threaded to receive the nut 50 thereon. In this manner, the bolt 44 has a pivotal relation relative to the outermost tong and may be threaded into and therefore, be rigid with the innermost tong when desired.

'I'he pivotal connection between adjacent ends of the tongs as well as the hinge connection between hinge plates, is not only illustrated clearly in Fig. 3 but the details thereof are illustrated more especially in Fig. 4. In these figures, there is provided a hinge pin 5I which terminates slightly above the upper edge of the lower hinge plate I8. The hinge pin projects through the abutting interfitting tubular portions 52 of the hinge plates and extends through the apertured and laterally enlargedend 53 of the tongs I9, see Fig. 4. The same also applies to the tongs 42. The lower end of the hinge pin is reduced as at 54 forming a shoulder 55 which bears on the enlargement 53 of the lower and outer half tong I9. The hinge pin reduction 54 is threaded and extends through the bore 55a of the latter tong I9 and the nut 56 rigidly locks the assembly together.

A sleeve 51 rests on the upper edge of the lower hinge plate I8 or 40 and telescopes the upper end of the pin 5I and provides a socket for the reception of the lower end of a spacing and frame sti'ening rod A58, theupper end of which has aa'aopacv 3 riveted to it the lower end of a sleeve portion 59. It may, if preferred, be press fitted or otherwise rigidly secured to the lower end of the hinge pin 60 which extends through the tubular portions 52 of the upper hinge structure 39 and through the enlarged ends of the tongs or half tongs 4| or I9, respectively, thus pivotally uniting the half tongs together, pivotally uniting the hingek plates together and mechanically uniting both arrangements-th-at is, the lazytong and hinge plate arrangements for simultaneous and similar movement.

The assembly may be affected by first mounting rod 5| in the lower mechanism, thentaking a rod 58 of substantially the same diameter and of the required length with the sleeve 58 secured thereto at its upper end and positioning the same in alignment, it being understood sleeve 51 is slidably supported on the rod 58. When the rods 5| and 58 are in alignment, the sleeve 5-1 is permitted to telescope the upper exposed or projecting end of the rod 5|. Following this assembly, the hinge pin 60 is passed through the ends of the tongs I9 and 4I of the upper series and -through hinge structures. If, as and when desired, thev washers or spacing sleeves 2|, previously described, may be omitted, and the spacing function thereof may be supplied by vertically enlarging the tongs at the hinge portions.

Each tong, as shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, has its longitudinal portion 6| offset appreciably from the central or intermediate portion 62. Each tong includes a wing or fin 63, the latter having an anchoring aperture 64. Each half tong I 9 is also provided with a wing of the aforesaid character. The lazytong structure resulting from the assembly of these tongs, is shown in the extended or expanded position in Fig. 1 and in the collapsed position in Fig. 2. In Fig. 1, the flexible covering 26 extends over and masks the upper and lower lazytongs and the upper and lower hinge plate structures. As shown clearly in Fig. 2, the covering, when the structure is collapsed, similarly masks the laforesaid but is enfolded between adjacent portions of adjacent tongs.

Each of the full width hinge plates is slotted as at 66. Nested in the slot on one or more of the upper hinge plates, is a trolley structure, shown more particularly in Figs. 3 and 8.

A U-shaped base structure 61 nests in the notch 66 and has wings 68 that straddle the plate. Spot-welding, screws, rivets, or the like 69 secure the trolley base to the hinge plate at its midpoint. This point has no transverse movement but only has movement longitudinally of the plane of the opening in the extension or collapse of the folding structure.

Projecting upwardly from said base 61 is a pivot pin 10 which takes the place of the screw bolt 45, in that it forms a pivot for the adjacent tongs 4I. The upper end of the pin 10 is threaded as at 1| and a nut 12 bearing on a lwasher 13 suitably secures lto the pinv a trolley structure including a hanger 14 having the chamber or recess 1-5 exposing the nut 12. An upwardly extending plate portion 16 mounts an axle 11 that carries at opposi-te ends rollers 18. The rollers 18 roll upon the parallel portions 19 of a partially tubular structure 80 having the slot 8| therein, in which is positioned the hanger 14. This trolley trackway is suitably secured as at 82 to a member 83 that extends across the top of the opening.

If a concealed form of trackway is desired, the

wall above the opening, indicated generally by the numeral 04 at each side of the opening, is extended and is closed by the portions 85 that are flush with the track portions 19.

In Fig. 9 there is illustrated a modiiied form of the invention. In this form of the inventiony the overhead trackway is relatively exposed and similar numerals of the one hundred series indicate like parts. In this figure, the pull post structure is indicated generally by the numeral |00. Projecting upwardly therefrom is a stem |18 carrying an axle that projects oppositely therefrom which mounts the rollers |18 that rollon the track portions |19 of the slotted tubular overhead track |80. Inasmuch as Fig. 9 is broken away, the handle connections at opposite sides of the pull post are omitted. If, as and when desired, the curtain support shown in Fig. 9 may be applied to the structure as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive.

Also as shown in Fig. 9, the door may receive a lower track plate I0| grooved as at |02 and recessed `as at |03 into the floor and secured thereto as at |04. A guide pin |05 may project downwardly from the pull post |90 and ride or slide in said groove. If desired, the pull post may mount a roller instead of a pin and` this would roll on the grooves. Whenever desired, or required, one or more or each of the lower bolts 45 may be extended sufciently to have 'the lower end ride in groove |0I. This variation is within the scope of this disclosure because the upper central portion of Fig. 3 as well as Figs. 8 and 9 illustrates the equivalent addition to the upper pivot aligned therewith.

Reference will now be had to Figs. and 11 wherein one form of mounting the flexible covering is illustrated. In said gures, the wing or fin portion 63 of the tong I9 is apertured as at 64. The fabric 26 has a portion |26 turned back upon itself to form a loopy |06 which nestsA a washer |01 against which bears the head |08 of a paper" fastener, or like device, having the divided legs |09 with lateral extensions ||0 bearing on the washer ||I positioned adjacent onev side of the wing or fin 63.

A relatively heavy canvas braid or strip ||2 is suitably secured to the overlapped portion |26 of the fabric or exible covering as by the sewing or stitching ||3. Thus, the head |08 of the fastener bears on the washer |01, which bears on the inturned portion v| 26 of the covering and fastener portions |09 extend through the aperture in the Washer, register in holes in the fabric strip and the inturned portion of the covering and then extend through the aperture 64 in the iin 63, and through the washer III to anchor the construction together with a detachable anchorage.

A modified form of cover anchorage and one which is considerably simpler to mount, is illustrated in Fig. 12. In this form ofthe invention, the same numerals are applied to like or similar parts', the difference being that in place of the loop |06 nesting the head of the fastener |08 and the washer |01, the washer |01 herein bears directly on the fabric strip I2 and the head and washer are interposed between the fabric strip and the turned back portion |26 of the cover. 'Ihis permits all of the fastenings to be readily attached to or detached from the wings.Y

. The heavy canvas braid or strip H2 serves more or less as a cover stiffening element and may, if desired, be projected downwardly to a greater extent than shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12.

It, therefore, serves as a reenforcing member for the bottom and top of the ilexible covering.

Whenever it is desired to soundproo Athe construction there is applied at the top thereof, or at the bottom, or preferably at both ends a continuous strip, substantially as long as the covering is wide when extended and of a width sumcient to just wipe or sweepingly Vcontact the upper frame or ceiling or the oor.

In Figs. 10 and 11, such a rubber-like strip is nested between the braid portion ||2 and the fold portion |26 of the covering. Said sweep |00 is anchored to the linkage arrangement by anchoring members |00, |09 and ||0to the several adjacent ears |45 (see Figs. 3 and 6). Two strips at the top and two at the bottom of the closure may be employed although one at each end usually is suillciently eiective for soundproong purpose.

In Fig. 12 the strip |00 is illustrated as similary nested and mounted. Itmay, however, in either instance be interposed between the braid portion I2 and ear 63.

In Figs. 6 and 7, a modiied form of the tong invention is illustrated. In Fig. 6, the numeral |40 indicates a tong member having the central lateral enlargements |4| and |42 centrally apertured as at |43. Near the end of the tong is suitably secured, by casting integral therewith, uniting the same, or by spot welding as at |44, a iin member |45 having the staple receiving opening |46 for iiexible cover anchorage. Each end of the tong terminates in an embossment |41 apertured at |48 and laterally enlarged as at |49 and |50. This form of the invention differs from that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in that each tong is oiset to a slightly greater ,degree as at |5| and each tong also is provided with a notch |52 that nests the adjacent wing of the adjacent tong when the tongs are collapsed. This permits the lazytong structure to substantially completely collapse and to a greater degree than the collapse shown in Fig.2.

While the invention hasl been illustrated vand described in great detail in the accompanying plates, an upper lazytongs above the hinge plates,

and a lower lazytongs below the hinge plates, oi a wing on each end oi each tong o! the lazytongs and projecting oppositely from the adjacent hinge mechanism, and ilexible covering means secured to said wings for enclosing the lazytongs and articulated mechanisms and foldable and extensible therewith.

2. In a flexible closure, the combination with two end members of approximate closure height, an upper series of articulated hinge plates, a lower and spaced series of articulated hipge plates, an upper lazytongs above the hinge plates,

and a lower lazytongs below the hinge plates, ofA

an elongated latch and catch connection between a wall opening and one of said members -and substantially coextensive with the latter for deammessa tachably supporting the closure in plumb relation at one side oi' the opening. Y

3. In a ilexible closure structure, a lazytongs including a plurality of superposed pairs o1' tongs positioned side by side, each tong having its end portions in parallelism butl offset, adjacent ends oi adjacent pairs of tongs being pivotally connected together, midportions of each pair oi' tongs having pivotal connection.

4. In a flexible closure structure, a lazytongs including a plurality of superposed pairs of tongs positioned side by side, each tong having its end portions in parallelism but oilset, adjacent ends of adjacent pairs of tongs being pivotally connected together, midportions of each pair of tongs having pivotal connection, each tong at including a plurality of superposed pairs of tongs positioned side by side, each tong having its end portions in parallelism but oiset, adjacent ends of adjacent pairs of tongs being pivotally connected together, midportions of each pair of tongs having pivotal connection, each tong from adjacent each end and directed toward the midportion and on each of the opposite sides including an anchoring projection, the adjacent tong immediately adjacent the projection including a notch sufcient for projection accommodation or nesting to permit substantially complete collapse of the lazytong.

6.' In a exible closure, the combination with two end members of approximate closure height, an upper series of articulated hinge plates, a lower and spaced series of articulated hinge plates, an upper lazytongs above the hinge plates, a lower lazytongs below the hinge plates, of a wing on each end of each tong of the lazytongs j and projecting oppositely from the adjacent hinge plates, a trolley structure, a trolley structure y support secured to the hinge plate arrangement,

said lazytongs including a pivot forming means,

said means including a U-shaped member straddling a hinge plate, the latter including a notch adjacent the lazytongs pivot, said U -shaped member being nested in the hinge plate notch, and having its arm portions upon opposite sides of notched hinge plate with the plate therebetween, and iiexible covering means secured to said wings for enclosing the lazytongs and articulated hinge plates as well as the U-shaped member, said covering means being foldable and extensible with the lazytongs and articulated hinge plates.

'1. In a flexible closurestructure, tongs including a plurality ci.' superposed pairs of tongs positioned side by side, each tong having its. end portions in parallelism but offset, adjacent ends of adjacent pairs of tongs being pivotally connected together, midportions of each pair ot tongs having pivotal connection, each tong at each end including oppositely aligned projections and each tong from adjacent each end and ldirected toward the midportion and on each o1' the opposite sides of the tong including an anchor- .ing projection, the adjacent tong immediately adjacent the last mentioned projection including a notch suillcient for adjacent projection accommodation or nesting to permit substantially complete collapse of the lazytong.

HENRY D. OBERDORFER. ROY H. VAN BUSKIRK. EUGENE C. MCGUIRE. 

